By Mapaballo Borotho
- Police have arrested a suspect found in possession of an item belonging to murdered runner Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo, although no murder charge has been brought against him.
- In a separate case, a 36-year-old pastor has been arrested following the death of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of the child’s mother.
- Meanwhile, five suspects are expected in court after an alleged R100 million drug manufacturing laboratory was uncovered at a farm in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp.
Members of the South African Police Service (SAPS) have arrested a suspect who was allegedly found in possession of an item belonging to the late runner, Elizabeth Tsontso Moselakgomo.
Police spokesperson Athlenda Mathe said the suspect is expected to appear before the Kempton Park Magistrates’ Court on Monday, 12 October 2026.
“The suspect is likely to face a charge of being in possession of stolen property. At this stage, no murder charge has been brought against the suspect. Investigations are ongoing,” said Mathe.
Moselakgomo was murdered by an unknown suspect last month in a case that sparked fears of a possible serial killer operating in the City of Ekurhuleni.
Her body was discovered on 12 September 2026 in Rhodesfield, behind a hotel in the area.
She had been reported missing after leaving her home for an afternoon run on 10 September and failing to return.
Investigations into her murder case are ongoing.
Pastor arrested after four-month-old baby’s body found in shallow grave
A 36-year-old pastor has been arrested in connection with the murder of a four-month-old baby and the alleged rape of the child’s 43-year-old mother.
The baby’s body was discovered in a shallow grave last week Wednesday.
According to Gauteng police, the woman went to the Hennops River, near the R511, with the pastor and his 24-year-old wife for a ritual.
When they arrived, the pastor’s wife allegedly remained behind with the baby while the pastor and the woman went to the river.
The woman was allegedly raped and tied up. She later managed to free herself and seek help at a nearby construction site.
A search operation was launched, and the pastor’s 24-year-old wife was found and questioned by police. She subsequently led investigators to the shallow grave where the baby’s body was discovered.
The pastor was later tracked to Diepsloot, where police found him hiding in a backroom in an informal settlement. He was reportedly injured at the time of his arrest.
He was arrested on Saturday, 10 October 2026.
“The arrest brings the total number of suspects arrested in connection with the incident to three, including the suspect’s two wives, who appeared before the Atteridgeville Magistrates’ Court on 09 October 2026. The suspect is expected to appear before court on Monday, 12 October 2026,” said Gauteng police spokesperson Dimakatso Nevuhuluwi.
Five suspects to appear in court over alleged R100 million drug laboratory
Meanwhile, five suspects are expected to appear before the Krugersdorp Magistrates’ Court following their arrest last week after police uncovered an alleged multi-million-rand clandestine drug manufacturing laboratory at a farm in Hekpoort, near Krugersdorp.
Hawks spokesperson Katlego Mogale said the laboratory was uncovered during a multidisciplinary operation involving the South African Narcotics Bureau, SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, the Special Task Force and the West Rand K-9 unit.
“The clandestine laboratory worth an estimated R100 million was uncovered through a multi- disciplinary operation led by the South African Narcotics Bureau of the Hawks working in collaboration with SAPS Head Office Crime Intelligence, Special Task Force, West Rand K-9 unit. Police have discovered quantities of Mandrax and ecstasy tablets at the suspected drug manufacturing laboratory,” said Mogale.
The five South African nationals found on the premises are expected to face charges of manufacturing and dealing in illegal drugs.
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